Each year, the budgets and initiatives of Ministries are reviewed and debated in the British Columbia Legislature.  This year the review of the Ministry of Energy and Mines budget included discussion of the Columbia River Treaty (see http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/40th2nd/20140513pm-CommitteeA-Blues.htm). 

The opposition critic for the Treaty and MLA for Kootenay West, Katrine Conroy, said in her closing remarks:

“I do want to thank the staff …for the amount of work that they have done in the region. It's been incredible. When you go out and talk to people, they mention it. They talk about the good work that's been done. The feedback has been excellent. People do really feel that their issues have been heard.”

Bill Bennet, Minister of Energy and Mines and is also responsible for the Columbia River Treaty in B.C. stated:

“I think we have met a very high standard in terms of interacting with and listening to constituents. It’s been a rigorous, very fulsome public consultation process.  It’s one of the reasons I think we’re in a strong position on the Columbia River Treaty.”

When the Province approved establishing a Team to review the Columbia River Treaty, they were told to “do it right this time.”  The validation placed on the record is very appreciated by all members of the Columbia Treaty Review Team, and will serve to inspire them to redouble their efforts to engage with Basin residents and First Nations as we move forward.